Coronavirus - help, support & advice

This page provides information and advice about Coronavirus and how Sussex CAMHS are working to support young people and their families during this time.

Here are the key messages:

  • Due to a significant increase in the number of telephone calls and emails we are receiving and a reduced workforce, it may take longer to respond. Please make it clear in your message if your query is urgent. Please be patient with our administrators and clinical staff, they are working as hard as they can.
  • Please contact the service to check whether your appointment will be face to face or whether it will now take place virtually. There is an information leaflet about virtual clinic appointments in the download section of this page.
  • If you or your child needs to be seen face to face this will be discussed with you and the measures needed to keep you and our clinicians safe will be explained.
  • If you are unsure what your care plan is please contact the service.
  • Face to face appointments: Please ensure that you are physically well. Please DO NOT attend the clinic if you have any of these symptoms:

o    a cold

o    cough

o    fever (high temperature)

o    sore throat

  • If you are unsure about whether to attend or not, please contact the clinic first.
  • Please use the hand sanitiser available at all clinic bases.
  • Physical health observations (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature) will only be done if absolutely essential. Please discuss with the clinician if this is required.
  • Please only go to A&E if you need urgent medical attention. If you are feeling distressed or overwhelmed there are alternative sources of support which will better help you and we have provided suggested support on this site. If you need to speak with a mental health practitioner you can call 111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or the duty worker at your local CAMHS team (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
  • It will be normal to experience a differing of emotions such as anxiety, worry or confusion at this time. You’ll really notice the change in your routines and it will take a bit of thought and support to develop new ones that maintain and support your emotional wellbeing.

Set a daily and weekly routine

 

  • This supports you to have structure and purpose in your day and week.
  • Balance your weekly routine and activities so there is a good mix of work (things that have to be done), rest and leisure/play.
  • It can help by breaking down your day into morning, afternoon and evening activities.
  • Make sure you get up and get dressed every day. Make sure you make regular meals at regular times.

Links to help you achieve this

These provide a sense of purpose and achievement. You may want to make a ‘To do’ list or doing set a goal to do something you have been meaning to get round to. Self care would be supportive goals to make, such as taking a bath or grooming a pet.

Links to help you achieve this:

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